Predators Training Camp Day One Notes and Quotes
Evangelista contract update, Roman Josi's health, and some changes to Andrew Brunette's system.
The Nashville Predators kicked off their on ice practices on Thursday and GM Barry Trotz, head coach Andrew Brunette, and the players addressed some of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025-26 season.
NOTES
LUKE EVANGELISTA NEGOTIATIONS ONGOING
Barry Trotz addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with RFA Luke Evangelista.
“We’re in that sort of daily process,” Trotz shared. “Obviously we love Luke. We’re going to work through that and see if we can get him here.”
While the two sides are rumored to remain far apart, Trotz was quick to say that trading Evangelista is not on the table.
“No, that’s not even a thought,” Trotz said. “We love Luke. We want Luke to be a part of the group. So no. That’s not even a thought.”
ROMAN JOSI HEALTH UPDATE
Roman Josi opened up about his POTS diagnosis during his media availability.
“I did a long rehab process and I came out of that feeling much better,” Josi said.
The Predators captain revealed he had been struggling with odd symptoms including headaches, elevated heart rate, and dizziness when standing, and unexplained fatigue even before his injury on February 25. Getting the diagnosis was a relief for Josi.
“It was a really good thing for me to get some clarity. I think as a player you start self diagnosing a lot. Havng some clarity and having a plan going forward is huge to me.”
Knowing what triggers symptoms and utilizing tools to manage the condition have Josi feeling confident heading into the season.
“I’m definitely back to 100% and feeling really good on the ice,” Josi said.
FEDOR SVECHKOV’S NEW OPPORTUNITY
After playing 52 games in his rookie season, Fedor Svechkov comes into camp as the heir apparent for the 2C role. It’s a big jump for the 22 year-old Russian player, but he isn’t focused on where he’ll land in the lineup.
“I’m not thinking about where..I play. I’m focusing on getting ready for the season,” Svechkov said.
“Today was the first practice. I think I worked well. That’s all I can control and all I can do so I’m not thinking about role and stuff. I just want to play hockey and enjoy it.”
Svechkov said he is working on learning more English and playing consistently at the NHL level.
“This is the most difficult league in the world and I have to be ready for every game,” Svechkov said.
Barry Trotz talked in the offseason with Svechkov about the mental adjustment that comes with the NHL opportunity.
“What [Svechkov] found was mentally in the National Hockey League you’re basically playing every 48 hours, so you don’t get that time to exhale. He was saying that he had to learn mentally how he could as soon as the game is over get that exhale and then get a good night’s sleep and get refocused. It wasn’t the physical stuff, it was more the mental stuff that he thought was a lot harder.”
The plan according to Trotz is to put Svechkov with a veteran who can produce to help his confidence and skill set grow.
ANDREW BRUNETTE’S ADJUSTMENTS
Throughout morning media, the players talked about adjustments the team is implementing this season.
“We’re making a few tweaks in terms of some structure things,” Steven Stamkos said.
Those tweaks come after an offseason of conversations between players and staff.
“The coaching staff and management staff have done a great job of sitting guys down this summer and picking each others’ brains and thinking of ways that we can improve,” Stamkos said.
“There’s been constant contact and communication in that regard. I think that’s certainly helpful.”
“I know the players have put their rubber stamp on some of the changes,” Barry Trotz said. “Not only did Andrew talk to the players, he also listened. That’s a really important factor on both sides.”
QUOTES
Filip Forsberg on what needs to improve this season: “We’ve got to defend better. Obviously we had a severe problem scoring goals. If that’s something that you can practice or not, that’s a question. Those two - that’s not necessarily the greatest combination of problems to have. We’ll be working a lot on both those things.”
Juuse Saros on playing in the World Championships after the season: ‘That was a good experience. It was nice to end the season like that, in positive ways. I had a lot of fun in that tournament. It was good for me.”
Nick Perbix on adjusting to a new team: “Obviously this is kind of my first time going through this. Just one day at a time, one skate, one rep at a time. That’s all you can do. The guys are great. They’re helping me out in every way I need. The coaches are great with any questions I have. Everyone has been super welcoming.”
Steven Stamkos on kicking off his second season with the Predators: “First day was good. As tough as I remember it last year in terms of skating. For me personally a lot more comfortable coming in this year. It’s nice to just be settled in. It’s been a big time difference for me in terms of just off the ice trying to get things organized last year versus this year. It’s been a big help in that regard.”
Jonathan Marchessault on Andrew Brunette: “It’s been good just talking more. We have a really good relationship. It’s great to have as a good a human being in hockey behind the bench, so we’re luck to have him. Definitely can’t wait to work with him again this year.”
The Predators return to the ice Friday kicking off practices at 8:50 AM and three scrimmages planned throughout the morning. Training camp takes place at Ford Ice Center Bellevue and is open to the public.